Max Verstappen Would “Rather Not Have” Superlicense Point System Amid Discussion About Kimi Antonelli Entering F1

In 2016, the FIA introduced a new point system and since then, drivers need to gather a total of 40 Super License points to be granted a superlicense — which is basically the driving license for Formula 1. Apart from that, there are plenty of other rules. The driver’s minimum age must be 18 years, they must hold a valid driving license, complete at least 80% of two seasons in single-seater series and a few more requirements.

This came into force after 17-year-old Max Verstappen made his Formula 1 debut straight from European Formula 3. Now 26 years of age, the current three-time world champion himself admitted to Dutch media: “That rule was introduced because of me, of course. In the end, it doesn’t stop what it’s meant for.”

Last year, Red Bull’s request to grant an exemption for a superlicense to IndyCar race winner Colton Herta was rejected by the FIA. But, the discussion came to the spotlight again recently, when it emerged there has been an official request to give the superlicense to Mercedes’ junior driver Kimi Antonelli before he turns 18 in August.

Though Toto Wolff, team principal of the Silver Arrows, harshly denied any rumours of Antonelli entering Formula 1 in the near future, there have been many links between the series and the Italian driver racing in Formula 2 with PREMA Racing at the moment.

Verstappen has a clear opinion on the whole system of superlicense, obviously not being too happy with it.

“It’s not specifically about him, but this can stop some talents from getting into Formula 1 quickly because they have to accumulate those 40 points first.”

“I’m not a big fan of it, of this entire system. The FIA thinks it’s good, but I’d rather not have it.”

“If someone is 17 or 18 years old and has maybe 20 points, but if he is very fast, why can’t he get into Formula 1 then?” the Dutchman criticized.

It’s no wonder Verstappen doesn’t see a problem with younger talents having their shot in F1 — he himself became the youngest ever point scorer, podium finisher and even race winner.